Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Alone and Did Not Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators State.
The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the lethal incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, as stated by Australian authorities.
Police further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Visit
Investigators indicate the individuals did not partake in any form of attack-related instruction or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine officials indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.
The incidentâlabeled as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996âhas been formally designated a act of terrorism.
"We are currently examining the material," she stated, explaining that initial assessments indicate that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a larger network, or were instructed by others to carry out an attack," she said.
But, the men were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, the official noted. She emphasized that, as the investigation is continuing, fresh information might surface.
Motivation and Court Charges
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it seems both alleged attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveedâreportedly carrying long-barrelled gunsâare accused of having targeted guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the days following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. The region is known because, Militant militants have been known to operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
